Numbers 24:9-11

9 Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse them? “May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!”

10 Then Balak’s anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, “I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times.

11 Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded.”

Numbers 24:9-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 24

In this chapter we are told, that Balaam leaving his enchantments, the Spirit of God came on him, and he spake of the happiness of Israel, and prophesied of their future greatness and glory, Nu 24:1-9 which so exasperated Balak, that he ordered him at once to depart from him, Nu 24:10,11. Balaam justified himself in what he said and did, and suggested that before they parted, he had something to say in a prophetic manner, concerning what Israel should do to Moab in "future" times, Nu 24:12-14 and then prophesies concerning the Messiah, and the destruction of Moab, and of some neighbouring nations, and even of some at a greater distance, as the Assyrians and Romans, Nu 24:15-25.

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 49:9; S Numbers 23:24
• 2. S Genesis 12:2
• 3. S Genesis 12:3
• 4. S Exodus 4:14
• 5. Job 27:23; Job 34:37; Lamentations 2:15; Ezekiel 21:14; Ezekiel 22:13; Ezekiel 25:6
• 6. S Numbers 22:6
• 7. S Numbers 23:11; S Deuteronomy 23:5
• 8. ver 3-9; Nu 23:7-10,18-24; Nehemiah 13:2
• 9. ver 14,25
• 10. S Numbers 22:17